Massive Tribal Protest in Valsad Against Par-Tapi Narmada Project

Dharampur (Valsad) | Gujarat — In one of the largest tribal protests South Gujarat has witnessed in recent years, tens of thousands of Adivasis poured into Dharampur on Thursday to oppose the controversial Par-Tapi Narmada River Link Project. Traveling in trucks and tractors from Umargam to Ambaji, protesters united under the banner of the Dam Hatao Samiti, demanding a complete scrapping of the project they say will destroy their homes, culture, and livelihoods.

Local leaders, including Vansda MLA Anant Patel and Congress leader Amit Chavda, stood alongside the crowds, echoing the people’s defiance. “One or two lakh compensation will not do anything — we do not want the dam at all,” declared one tribal leader from the stage. The atmosphere was tense but resolute, with police maintaining a heavy presence from early morning to avert clashes.

Why the Anger Has Returned

The Par-Tapi Narmada River Link Project, which aims to connect three major rivers through nine dams, had been declared canceled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel before the 2022 elections. However, recent reports that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was presented in the Lok Sabha reignited fears among the tribals that the project is back on track.

According to the DPR, the project will submerge 118 villages, affecting over five lakh people—predominantly tribals. Major structures include the Zari Dam in Nashik (Maharashtra), Mohana Kavachdi Dam and Paikhed Dam in Dharampur, Chasmadwa Dam in Dharampur, Chikar Dam in Waghai, Dabdar Dam in Waghai, and Kelvan Dam in Vyara.

“This project will uproot us from the land of our ancestors,” said a villager from Dharampur. “We will not allow development that comes at the cost of destroying tribal life.”

Water for Cities, Displacement for Villages

Government plans envision diverting dam water to Mumbai, Saurashtra, and Kutch for future needs. While tribals say they are not opposed to sharing water, they refuse to be displaced to achieve it. “We have no issue with others getting water, but not by drowning our homes and forests,” said Anant Patel, who has been campaigning from village to village to mobilize resistance.

A Battle Far From Over

The rally’s turnout signals that the project faces intense opposition in tribal belts. Dam Hatao Samiti leaders have vowed to continue protests until the government issues a formal, permanent cancellation order.

“The voice of the tribal will not be silenced,” said Amit Chavda, addressing the gathering. “If needed, we will take this fight from the forests of Valsad to the streets of Gandhinagar.”